Visiting Iceland in October offers a unique and captivating experience, characterized by its transitional weather, diminished crowds, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights.
Previous Episodes About Months in Iceland
Weather and Average Temperature
- Temperature Range: October in Iceland sees average temperatures ranging from 2°C to 7°C (36°F to 45°F). The weather is cool and often wet, with frequent rain showers.
- Weather Variability: Expect variable weather conditions. Days can be crisp and clear or windy and rainy.
Daylight Hours in October in Iceland
- Decreasing Daylight: October marks a significant shift in daylight hours in Iceland. The month starts with about 11.5 hours of daylight and ends with around 8 hours, signaling the approach of the darker winter months.
What to Wear in Iceland During October
- Layered Clothing: Essential for adapting to Iceland’s unpredictable weather. Include waterproof and windproof jackets, warm sweaters, thermal underlayers, and sturdy, waterproof footwear.
- Accessories: Don’t forget hats, gloves, and scarves for extra warmth, especially when exploring outdoors.
My Ultimate Packing Checklist is linked in the show notes and will provide you with everything you need to bring. I recommend following the winter list, especially toward the end of the month because it is noticeably colder and darker.
Road Conditions & Driving in October
- Road Conditions: Generally stable, but be prepared for occasional icy patches or snow, especially in northern regions.
- Driving Tips: Stay updated with the weather forecast and road conditions. Daylight hours are decreasing, so plan your travels accordingly. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for more rugged terrains.
Expert Trip Planning Tip for Iceland in October
Due to decent day light hours, good road conditions, and relatively warm weather, October can be a nice shoulder season month for people to visit who want to avoid the crowds. Driving to different parts of the country is still quite easy, meaning hardly any snow or ice, especially during the beginning and middle of the month. So, I recommend renting a car or a camper van.
The Best Company to Rent a Car or Camper Van in Iceland
Go Car Rental Iceland
If you plan to explore Iceland on your own when you visit, I highly recommend using Go Car Rental Iceland. They are a local Icelandic car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars and very competitive prices. Use my code Iceland10 to save 10% off the entire cost of your rental car.
I personally use them for when I go on adventures, and I’m so glad to hear that many of my listeners and subscribers are also having a great experience with them. I mentioned in a previous episode that one of my listeners switched to Go Car Rental Iceland from one of the internationally known rental car companies here and she saved $400! That was for a rental during the summer when prices can sometimes double due to demand.
Go Campers - Camper Van Rental
If you plan to use a campervan, use my code Iceland7 to save 7% and get two free duvets with your GO Campers van rental. Also, I have a great episode coming up soon about how to choose the right camper van for your travels in Iceland, so keep an eye out for that.
Why You Should Visit Iceland in October
- Less Crowded: With the high season tapering off, you’ll find fewer tourists, making it easier to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty more peacefully.
- Aurora Borealis: The darkening skies increase the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, a truly magical experience.
- Autumn Colors: The landscape turns into a beautiful palette of autumn colors, enhancing the scenic beauty.
Top Activities to Do in October
- Northern Lights Hunting: With longer nights, October is a great time to chase the Aurora Borealis.
- Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools: The cooler weather makes soaking in Iceland’s famous hot springs even more enjoyable.
- Hiking and Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy the stunning autumn scenery with activities like hiking, horseback riding, and glacier tours.
October Events and Holidays in Iceland
- Reykjavík International Film Festival: A popular event showcasing a wide range of domestic and international films. September to October – https://riff.is/en/
- Imagine Peace Tower Lighting: Commemorates John Lennon’s birthday on October 9th and is lit until December 9th, his death anniversary. https://www.imaginepeacetower.com/
- Halloween: Although not traditionally celebrated, it has gained popularity, with various events and parties, especially in Reykjavík.
Iceland Trip Planning Resources
Before hopping into the random fact of the episode, I want to share some Iceland trip planning resources. I’ve received many amazing emails from listeners of the podcast and followers on social media asking me for my advice on what to do in Iceland.
Due to the high demand for this information, I created some resources. All of the ones I will talk about are available through a link in the description of this episode on my website allthingsiceland.com. Also, they can be found on the homepage of my website. There is a tab at the top called “Trip Planning Help”. Click on that and you will find links to everything I am about to share.
Video Consultation with Me for Your Trip
One of the resources is that if you’re interested in getting personalized trip planning advice from me, you can book me for a consultation via this link. After you fill out a survey and pick a time that is available for both of us, we do a one-hour video chat via Google Meet.
During this time, we chat about your interest, parts of the country you want to visit, how to get the most out of your time, helpful information to know about Iceland before coming, and any questions that you have. I always feel delighted when I hear at the end of the call that people feel even more excited about their upcoming trip because of the consultation.
Make Your Own Itinerary with My Iceland Map
Another great resource is to grab full access to my Iceland map. This map was created for those who want to pick out places and hidden gems around Iceland to make up their own itinerary or add to one that they already created.
With full access, you get over 250 places that I recommend in Iceland, along with four itineraries to use for planning your trip. Those itineraries include a 10-day Ring Road trip, a 3-day South Iceland trip, The Famous Golden Circle and a Reykjanes Peninsula Day Trip.
A one-time purchase gives you lifetime access, which includes any updates I make to the map.
Here is a link to my Iceland map: rexby.com/jewells/Iceland.
Random Fact of the Episode
October is when the season for the northern lights really kicks off.
Icelandic Word of Episode
Óktober – October
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